The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is placed right behind the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) inside the knee (ACL). It is one of the numerous ligaments that attach the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). The posterior cruciate ligament prevents the tibia from shifting rearward about the thigh bone.
A tremendous force is required to injure the posterior cruciate ligament.
A severe twisting or contact injury during sports might cause PCL damage.
Causes
An automobile accident, for example, might suddenly drive your knee backward.
Your shin collides with something hard, such as the dashboard of your automobile.
In a quick movement, your knee twists or overextends.
You fall or are tackled and land on your bent knee with your foot pointed downward. This can occur when participating in sports such as football or soccer.
Sporting activities are a common cause of PCL damage. These types of injuries are particularly frequent in:
Football
Soccer
Baseball
Skiing
Types
A PCL tear can result in mild, moderate, or severe damage. Posterior cruciate ligament injuries are classified into four types by healthcare providers:
I. Grade. There is a partial tear in the ligament.
II Grade. There is a partial tear in the ligament, and it is loose.
III Grade The ligament has been ripped, making the knee unstable.
IV grade. The PCL is sprained, and another knee ligament is strained.
Signs and Symptoms
Sharp or dull discomfort in the area around the back of the knee. This might happen right away or evolve hours or days after the injury.
Swelling-Swelling may occur as a result of bleeding near the ruptured ligament. Swelling usually happens within 2 to 3 hours following an accident.
Stiffness- Swelling can cause stiffness in the knee. A person may have difficulties bending the knee, resulting in a limp or difficulty climbing or descending stairs.
Weight-bearing is difficult- Standing or walking on an injured knee can be difficult or uncomfortable, especially for long periods periods
Knee shakiness- Mild to moderate sprains may result in very little or no knee instability, but more severe sprains may cause a person to feel as if the knee is ready to collapse.
The back of the knee may be warm to the touch. This is due to bleeding within the knee joint caused by the injury.
Tenderness around the knee joint. The knee joint, particularly the back of the knee, may be tender or sensitive to touch.
Knee tingling or numbness. In more severe PCL injuries, people may report the feeling of tingling or numbness around the knee joint.
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